L.A. crime journalism story is directed by Dan Gilroy

Bill Paxton is joining Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo in the thriller “Nightcrawler,” marking Dan Gilroy’s directorial debut with a start of production in October in Los Angeles.

Jennifer Fox and Tony Gilroy, who collaborated on “Michael Clayton” and “The Bourne Legacy,” will produce along with Gyllenhaal. Bold Films is financing with Michel Litvak and David Lancaster producing and Gary Michael Walters exec producing.

Dan Gilroy is helming from his own script about a driven young man, played by Gyllenhaal, who discovers the nocturnal world of freelance crime journalism in Los Angeles. He scripted “The Bourne Legacy.”

Sierra/Affinity is handling international sales at the Toronto Film Festival.

Paxton recently wrapped “Million Dollar Arm” and can be seen in “2 Guns.” He’s a producer on “Parkland,” which premiered at Venice and Toronto, and will be seen in the sci-fi thriller “Edge of Tomorrow” alongside Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.